England

10/5/90-10/15/90

A friend, Mary Anne, and I joined a tour group to London.

We stayed in a small lovely room at the Hogarth hotel while we were there.  The day we arrived we decided to stay up rather than catch a few zzz's to rejuvenate.  We hopped on the underground "tube" and went to a flea market in Queens.  This was before all the multicolored hair styles they have around here.  It was quite interesting.  During our ten day stay we took in many local sites.

A few of my favorites were Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament for their
lovely architecture.  I recommend the British Museum of Natural History, which is wonderful for all age groups.  Of course I can not forget Buckingham Palace's changing of the guard or the
crown jewels at Tower of London .  Other sites were St. Paul's Cathedral, London Bridge, Tower
Bridge and the Thames River.  Outside of London we toured the colleges of Oxford, Stratford-Upon-Avon, which is known for where William Shakespeare resided.  We also saw both
the old and new Coventry Cathedrals.  The old one was bombed by the Germans in 1940.  They
built the new one right by its side.

I shopped in Harrods and Burberrys on Knights Bridge St. in the shopping district.  Purchased
some art on the sidewalk gallery in Hyde park, and of course, purchased a "t" shirt at the Hard
Rock Cafe on the corner of the park.  Rode the "red" double-decker bus through Piccidilly
Square.  Had shepherd pie at a local pub.  Attended Albery Theater for "Blood Brothers" and St.
Martin Theater for "Mousetrap".

Had a bomb scare while riding the "tube".  We had to all get off.  At First riding the "Tube" was
confusing, but once I figured out the stops, I felt like the pied piper.  Everyone followed me!
The British are lovely people with great humor.  However, one thing I have to say, don't ask
directions from them!  They have no sense of direction and will get you lost every time!

While we were in England the weather was great.  It was sunny each day, between 70-78
degrees during the day and 60-68 at night.  October is a good time to see England!  I'd go back
again!